“Illegally dumped waste negatively impacts on the cultural and natural values of our national parks, State forests and reserves, and is a fire hazard, a pollution hazard and can cause injuries to people and wildlife,” Mr Dunk said.

Rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, along with a clean-up service, and council officers continue to tidy up the rubbish.

Surplus to requirements so just dumped. PIC: Department of Environment and Science

“The disappointing thing is much of this waste would fit in wheelie bins, and the council runs several waste facilities in the region,” said Mr Dunk. “People have obviously dumped rubbish to avoid paying the waste disposal fee … we are investigating the illegal dumping and will issue Penalty Infringement Notices to those responsible.”

He said six Penalty Infringement Notices had been issued recently for illegal dumping in the Townsville region, and the department would not hesitate to issue more.

“The department would like to thank members of the public who provide information about people who are allegedly responsible for illegal dumping,” Mr Dunk said. “As the environmental regulator, we have a zero tolerance to illegally dumped waste and we will continue to take strong enforcement action, including court prosecutions.”

• Have you seen evidence of people dumping domestic and commercial waste in national parks? Comment below.

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